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  Raising African American Children
Sonja Williams a family therapist from the Washington DC area shares her tips for overcoming the challenges of raising a young African American child in today's world.

Time: Quantity vs. Quality
If you’re a working parent with little time to spend at home with your child, focus on the quality of time rather than the quantity. Some ideas for creating quality time with your family:

1. Spend time engaged in activities that are of interest to your son/daughter.

2. Join a social group in your area that organizes events for both adults and children

3. Children enjoy structure. Schedule weekly family events.

4. Read to your children

5. Take advantage of the free cultural events/services in your community. Museums are a great place to start.

Racism
If you’re the parent of a young African American child and are concerned that he/she may become angry and distracted by racism, it is important to understand that anger is often a reaction to the fear. Fear that other people's opinions will prevent them from giving you a fair shot at success. Williams suggests, you teach your young ones that racism is something that they can overcome, just like the many men and women before them. If they understand that there's no reason to fear anyone but GOD, they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

If you live in or near the Washington DC area you can contact Sonja Williams at eliashib@erols.com